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In meditation, the Enso indicates the perfect meditative state in which your mind is detached from all and in connection with the infinite.In Buddhism, the moon is a symbol for the doctrines and teachings that lead one along the path to enlightenment, which is why you will sometimes find the Enso referred to as the Circle of Enlightenment. Spiritually the Enso circle is considered a mirror of the moon and therefore an emblem suggesting Enlightenment.Additionally, the Enso can symbolise the harmonious relationship and balance between all things.
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Also, the Sun perpetually rises and sinks in a circular fashion, bringing light and life. Nature, throughout the year, goes through this cyclic process of birth, death and rebirth as a result of the seasons.
Zen circle full#
As a reflection of life and nature, the Zen circle can reflect the idea of how one perceives their life and whether it’s full or void and empty.On a social level, the Enso circle can be seen to symbolize harmonious cooperation between one another, acceptance of oneself or the pursuit for personal development and self-improvement.Also, depending on the interpreter, the middle of the circle can represent presence or absence – similar to a glass half full or half empty scenario. The white space within the circle can indicate emptiness or it can take on the idea that it contains all it needs within its center.The type of circle, whether open or closed, represents different meanings. The more traditional interpretation of the symbol is that of the circle of life, as a symbol of the start and end of all things. Another interpretation suggests that Enso can mean a Circle of Togetherness. Put together, the words mean circular form. 相 – this kanji has several meanings including inter-, mutual, together, aspect or phase.Meaning of the Enso SymbolĮnso is written in the Japanese kanji as 円相 and consists of two words: The Enso expresses the complex ideas of Buddhism, in a simple, minimalist stroke. It’s empty and yet full, with no beginning or end. It is an indication of satisfaction with what one has. It was believed to represent the idea of immense space that has no need of anything and contains nothing that it needs. The Enso symbol can be traced back to the 6th century where it was first depicted as an out of shape circle. Once drawn, the symbol can’t be altered in anyway. Drawing an Enso is a precise art that has to be done in one fluid stroke. The circle can be either open or closed, with both styles representing different things (discussed below). It’s typically created with one uninterrupted stroke of the brush, although sometimes it can be painted with two strokes. The Enso symbol is considered a sacred symbol in the Zen school of thought. What is the Enso Symbol? – A Perfectly Imperfect Circle
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